By Khalid Idris Doya
The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Nephrology, Bauchi Chapter, has conducted a public awareness campaign aimed at tackling the rising burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Bauchi State.
The outreach, held at Tashan Mass Motor Park in Bauchi on Tuesday, focused on educating residents about preventive measures, early detection, and proper management of kidney-related illnesses.
Speaking during the outbreak, NEDC Bauchi State Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Isiyaku, said the initiative was designed to sensitise communities and provide access to free medical screening.
"We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity for free screening and guidance to prevent this life-threatening condition," he said.
Alhaji Isiyaku noted that CKD has become a major public health concern in the North-East, prompting NEDC to partner with the Nigeria Association of Nephrology on the sensitisation campaign.
He emphasised the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive action.
Also speaking, Dr. Mohammed Rabi'u Garba, head of the Renal Centre at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), attributed the rising cases to factors such as hypertension, diabetes, environmental conditions, and the misuse of herbal medications.
He explained that although World Kidney Day is globally observed on March 12, Bauchi's campaign was scheduled after the Eid al-Fitr celebrations due to Ramadan.
According to Dr. Garba, this year'a outreach aligns with the global theme highlighting kidney health for all and the impact of environmental factors on well-being. He added that choosing a motor park as the venue was deliberate, considering the harsh conditions faced by workers daily.
"People here are exposed to excessive heat, overcrowding, and prolonged sunlight. Many do not hydrate adequately due to the nature of their work, which increases their risk of kidney damage," he said, urging residents to drink sufficient water and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
Dr. Garba further explained that while dialysis costs in Bauchi have been reduced from N60,000-N50,000 to approximately N12,000 per session, kidney care remains expensive.
He highlighted that 70-80 percent of CKD patients also suffer from underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which are largely preventable but require lifelong management.
"Many people are unaware they have these conditions until complications arise. Early detection and proper management can significantly reduce the burden of kidney disease," he said.
According to him as part of the outreach, free medical services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, were provided to participants. He also said individuals diagnosed during the exercise received initial medications for up to one week and were referred for further treatment at healthcare facilities.
He explained that the entire day was dedicated to kidney disease screening and awareness, with all participants closely monitored, and anyone identified with serious health concerns referred to ABTUTH for further medical care.
Dr. Garba stressed that while hypertension and diabetes have no permanent cure, they can be effectively managed through consistent monitoring, medication, and healthy lifestyle choices.
He expressed appreciation to NEDC for its support, noting that the intervention has significantly boosted awareness efforts across the state.
Dr. Garba called for sustained collaboration to expand the campaign to more communities across Bauchi and the wider North-East region.
"Our goal is simple: if people are aware, they can take responsibility for their health. With continued support, we can reduce the burden of kidney disease and improve lives," he concluded.
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